Tuesday, February 28, 2017

The BC Ford Dealers Road to the Fred Page Cup BCHL Playoffs start this weekend and the dates for Round 1 have been posted to the league website.

On Friday, March 3, five of the six Round 1 series will begin. The Mainland No. 4 versus No. 1 series (Prince George at Wenatchee) will begin on Saturday, March 4.

At www.bchl.ca, under the ‘PLAYOFF SCHEDULE & SCORES‘ menu, fans can find game information on the following pages:

PLAYOFF BRACKET – This page shows each of the Round 1 series matchups and will update to Round 2 when those series’ opponents become known. The page will update with the series scores and the dropdown menu under each series graphic will contain the results of each game.

LEAGUE SCHEDULE – This page will show all playoff matchups for the current month. As of tomorrow, March 1, all playoff games for that month will be shown. As of today, Feb. 28, users will have to advance the calendar to March to see the playoff games listed.

LEAGUE SCOREBOARD – This page will show each of the games for the current day. Users will have to advance the calendar to see the upcoming matchups.

Unlike last season, there will be no round robin in Round 3. This season, the winner of the Island Division will play the winner of the Mainland Division to determine which club goes to the BCHL Finals against the winner of the Interior Division.

All six Interior teams qualified for the playoffs this year, as per a decision made by the league board of governors at the October BCHL meeting. The top-two Interior seeds, Penticton and Vernon, have byes into the second round.

Each series all the way through the Finals will be a best-of-seven series. In Round 1, the Island and Mainland matchups feature the No. 1 versus No. 4 seeds and the No. 2 versus No. 3 seeds. In the Interior, with No. 1 Penticton and No. 2 Vernon receiving byes to Round 2, the opening round features the No. 3 seed versus No. 6 and No. 4 versus No. 5.

The New York Islanders have signed former Vernon Vipers
forward Connor Jones to a one-year, two-way (NHL/AHL) contract for the remainder of the 2016-17 season.

Jones is in his second season with the American Hockey League (AHL) Bridgeport Sound Tigers. After four years at Quinnipiac University Jones signed his first pro contract along with twin brother Kellen with the American Hockey League (AHL) Oklahoma City Barons April 3rd 2014. Connor has spent the past two seasons playing with three teams in three different leagues. (ECHL-Bakersfield Condors, AHL-Oklahoma City Barons & the AHL-Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

Connor played In 163 regular season games with the Vipers collecting (80-goals-118-assists-198-points) Connor also is the Vipers all-time franchise points leader (regular season & playoffs) with 228 & all-time franchise goals leader (regular season & playoffs) with 95.

The New York Islanders announced today, forward Connor Jones has agreed to terms on a one-year, two-way (NHL/AHL) contract for the remainder of the 2016-17 season. He has been loaned to the team's American Hockey League affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers

Jones, 26, has played 47 games with the Sound Tigers this season, recording 17 points (five goals, 12 assists) and a plus-10 rating. The third-year pro initially signed a professional tryout (PTO) with Bridgeport at the beginning of the 2015-16 campaign and notched 13 points (six goals, seven assists) in 51 games with the Sound Tigers last season. In addition, he appeared in three Calder Cup Playoff games with Bridgeport in 2015-16.

A native of Trail, BC, Jones split his first professional season between the Oklahoma City Barons (AHL) and Bakersfield Condors (ECHL) in 2014-15. The 5'9, 180-pound forward registered 10 points (four goals, six assists) in 41 regular-season games and three goals in 10 playoff contests with Oklahoma City.

Monday, February 27, 2017

The American Hockey League Hartford Wolf Pack have assigned former
Vernon Vipers goaltender PJ Musico to the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Greenville Swamp Rabbits.

Musico attended the New York Rangers Training Camp in October, was assigned to the American Hockey League Hartford Wolf Pack before joining the Swamp Rabbits.

After playing four years of University at Penn State, Musico signed his first professional contract with the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Greenville Swamp Rabbits October 13th 2015 before being traded February 9th 2015 to the ECHL Quad City Mallards. The American Hockey League (AHL) Chicago Wolves signed Musico February 27, 2016 where he would finish the season. Musico would head back to Greenville signing with the Swamp Rabbits July 7, 2016.

Four days after their final exhibition and four days before the season opener, the Greenville Swamp Rabbits made a seismic shift of their roster.

Greenville, which opens Friday at Florida, announced today it has added nine players and released 12 from the roster that completed its preseason at 1-1 with a 5-1 win Friday at Atlanta.

Perhaps the most intriguing newcomer is Brandon Halverson, a 6-foot-4 goaltender who is rated among the New York Rangers' top 20 prospects by almost every site covering the NHL organization. Halverson, 20, is a pro rookie who was New York's second-round pick in the 2014 NHL draft.
Assigned to the team by the Rangers, Halverson will compete with Swamp Rabbits veterans Jeff Malcolm, who is on loan by the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack, and P.J. Musico, who is coming off a 34-save effort in the preseason win at Atlanta.

Also of note joining the team is forward Alan McPherson, who scored 72 points in 71 games with ECHL rival Elmira the past two seasons. He was released from a tryout with Hartford.

The Rangers also reassigned 6-foot-7 defenseman Troy Donnay to Greenville, where he played played 61 games during the 2015-16 season. The other players added to the roster were forward Tommy Thompson and defensemen Joe Houk, Matt Prapavessis, Spiro Goulakos and Zach Loesch.

None of the released players were on the Swamp Rabbits' roster during the 2015-16 season. Among those released were brothers Matt, Peter and Nick Plesa.

Although the roster could change before the opener, Greenville has an ECHL-maximum 21 players, 18 of whom can be active for any game.

Sunday, February 26, 2017

It was a game that meant everything to the Trail Smoke Eaters, and nothing to the Vernon Vipers.

The hometown Smokies scored three times in the second period to beat the Vipers 3-1 in B.C. Hockey League action Friday before 1,889 fans at the Cominco Arena.

The two teams met Saturday at Kal Tire Place to close out the regular season.

The Vipers have secured second place in the Interior Division and a first-round playoff bye.

Trail, going into the final weekend, was in a battle with the West Kelowna Warriors for third place and home-ice advantage in the opening round against the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.

Friday’s win, combined with West Kelowna’s 8-3 loss to the Centennials in Merritt (Vernon’s Brett Jewell scored twice for the Centennials), left Trail alone in third place, two points ahead of the Warriors, who finished the season Saturday in Salmon Arm.

A West Kelowna win and a Trail loss would give the Warriors third place.

Merritt ended its regular season Friday and will finish fifth. The Cents will play Trail or West Kelowna.

The highest remaining seed after the first round will face the pennant-winning Penticton Vees, while the lowest seed remaining gets a date with the Vipers starting March 17.

The Vees went into Chilliwack and shutout the Chiefs 3-0 Friday.

After a scoreless first period, the Smoke Eaters opened the scoring at 8:55 as Kale Howarth notched his 30th of the year on a powerplay. Troy Ring would make it 2-0 with his seventh on the man advantage at 15:05 and Josh Laframboise scored his 25th at 19:31 to give Trail a 3-0 lead entering the third period.

Jimmy Lambert broke Linden Marshall’s shutout bid with his 19th of the year for the Vipers at 8:55.

Marshall finished with 39 saves as Vernon outshot Trail 40-24. Ty Taylor took the loss for the Vipers.

Vernon defenseman Michael Ufberg is the Interior Division’s finalist for the league’s top defenceman award.

Ufberg, a 19-year-old out of Philadelphia, has seven goals and 36 points in 56 games. The slick 5-foot-9, 185-pounder often anchors the powerplay. He is up for the award along with the Island Division’s Jake Stevens of the Victoria Grizzlies and the Mainland Division’s Tyler Anderson of the Prince George Spruce Kings.

Finalists for the Vern Dye Memorial Award as league MVP are Penticton Vees goalie Mat Robson; goalie Matthew Galajda of the Grizzlies and forward Brendan Harris of the Wenatchee Wild.

The finalists from each of the league’s three divisions were decided on by a first-round of voting by league coaches.

Another round of coaches voting will decide the winner for each trophy and the results will be announced before the playoffs begin.

The New York Islanders have signed Viper grad Connor Jones to a one-year, two-way (NHL/AHL) contract for the remainder of the 2016-17 season. He has been loaned to the team’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

Jones, 26, has played 47 games with the Sound Tigers this season, recording 17 points (five goals, 12 assists) and a plus-10 rating. The third-year pro initially signed a professional tryout (PTO) with Bridgeport at the beginning of the 2015-16 campaign and notched 13 points (six goals, seven assists) in 51 games with the Sound Tigers last season. In addition, he appeared in three Calder Cup Playoff games with Bridgeport in 2015-16.

Prior to turning pro, Jones played four seasons at Quinnipiac University alongside his twin brother and fellow Sound Tigers forward, Kellen Jones.

Saturday, February 25, 2017

I have had season tickets for the past 27 years and been following Junior hockey in Vernon for well over thirty years. Ive missed only three home games since 1998-99 season. For anyone who could not attend or watch tonight’s Vipers game here are my thoughts and views from tonight’s game. You may agree or disagree but we all have our own view and opinion on any game we watch. This is my opinion and my thoughts on how I saw tonight’s game. I try to be unbiased and give a fare recap on both sides. Thanks for stopping by & visiting my blog.

I was at tonight's Vipers-Smoke Eaters game as Vernon defeated Trail 7-1 in front of 2,122 fans at Kal Tire Place.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Ty Taylor

Trail: Zach Dyment

1st Period: Off the opening faceoff, Jimmy Lambert drove hard to the goal was denied in front by former Vernon Vipers goaltender Zach Dyment who made a huge save from in close, was forced to come across the crease to try and stop Brett Stapley at the side of the goal on the rebound who beat Dyment but rang his shot off the post. Vernon with two quality chances inside the opening minute. The Vipers would jump on an early powerplay, just fifty three seconds into the game. Jesse Lansdell in tight couldn't beat Zach Dyment down low as the Snakes with just two shots couldn't capitalize with the man advantage. The Vipers went back to the powerplay thirty five seconds later and would find the back of the net. Cameron Trott setup Steven Jandric at the side of the net, giving Vernon a 1-0 lead at 3:47 Trott & Jimmy Lambert with the assists. The Vipers with good pressure, had several good looks in and around the Trail goal, forced Zach Dyment into making some key saves, keeping this a one goal game. Just minutes before the halfway mark Simon Sagissor took a big hit along the side wall, wasn't pleased with the check, tried going after a Trail player, while Connor Clouston was egging on Korbyn Chabot into dropping the gloves. Two altercations going on inside the Smokies zone, before the play was blown dead. Clouston & Chabot were sent to the penalty box. Just before the midway mark Ryan Brushett, Austin Adamson and Brett Stapley all had great scoring chances, couldn't solve Zach Dyment. Just past the halfway mark Brett Stapley would get another two quality opportunities, couldn't beat Dyment. Dyment was keeping his club in the hockey game at this point with the Snakes rolling. Later in the second half the Smoke Eaters would get their first look with the powerplay. Ty Taylor made his biggest save of the night to this point, kicking out a big pad save off a quick shot from the high slot before Connor Brown-Maloski setup Luke Santerno at the side of the net, hit the open cage tying the game 1-1 at 17:30 Brown-Maloski and Kale Howarth picked up the helpers. Steven Jandric tried to deke out Zach Dyment as he cut towards the front of the goal, was hauled down giving the Snakes a powerplay with only nine seconds remaining in the opening frame. The Vipers won the draw deep in the offensive zone, setup at the point before Cameron Trott's point shot was redirected in on it's way to the goal by Brett Stapley, giving Vernon a 2-1 lead at 19:56 Trott and Michael Ufberg collected the assists. A hit along the side wall at the buzzer drew a large crowd as everyone jumped in as a big scrum broke loose at the buzzer. Lots of pushing and shoving before the melay was broken up. Trail would come out with a powerplay to start the 2nd period. It was 2-1 Vernon after 20 minutes of play. The Vipers jumped on the Smokies early, looked very good in the opening period. I thought the Snakes were by far the better of the two teams, had a ton of quality chances, carried most of the play, had lots of good pressure, were moving the puck well. The Smoke Eaters played a lot of the 1st in their own end, didn't generate much for offence, had very little time in the offensive zone. Zach Dyment kept his team in the game, giving them a chance to win. If it wasn't for some big stops, the Snakes could have easily had a four or five goal lead going into the middle frame. Vernon outshot Trail 12-10.

2nd Period: The Smokies started the second period on the powerplay, just their second of the evening. Luke Santerno with a great opportunity in front was robbed by a diving Ty Taylor who made his biggest save of the night. Taylor and the Vipers defence couldn't clear the front of the net, as the puck was lying in the blue paint a mad scramble informed in and around the Viper goal. Former Salmon Arm Silverbacks forward Josh Laframboise wired a quick shot from the top of the circle beat Vipers starting goaltender Ty Taylor but hit the crossbar as the Smokies come very close to tying the game. Trail with a ton of pressure, had the Snakes scrambling inside their own end, were firing everything towards the Vernon net but couldn't tie the game on the powerplay. Less then three minutes later the Smoke Eaters went back to the powerplay, again had some good looks, couldn't solve Ty Taylor. Taylor made some big stops as the Snakes were able to kill off the minor. The Vipers would then jump on the powerplay but struggled with the extra man as it was all Trail to start the 2nd period. Steven Jandric couldn't hit the net on a wrap around just as the penalty expired. Just before the midway mark Austin Adamson setup Ryan Brushett in front who scored on the Vipers first shot of the period, giving Vernon a 3-1 lead at 9:49 Adamson with the lone assist. This was a big momentum changer as the Snakes got life and turned the game around. The Vipers slowly got their game going and started rolling. Vernon would take over the edge in play and get some good looks but had troubles getting pucks to the net. With just over five minutes remaining Josh Laframboise couldn't beat Ty Taylor on a three on one, back come the Vipers. Jimmy Lambert setup Brett Stapley who beat Zach Dyment, giving Vernon a 4-1 lead at 14:51 Lambert & Steven Jandric drew the helpers. A big save at one end before a goal at the other end of the rink. A tough break for the Smokies. Trail would get a late powerplay but unable to capitalize. Just seconds before the penalty expired the Vipers would get another penalty, sending the Smoke Eaters back to the powerplay to finish the period. Shorthanded Jagger Willamson and Riley Brandt lead the two on one attack, Williamson kept and fired missing the goal. The Smoke Eaters would run out of time as it was 4-1 Vernon after 40 minutes of play. Trail with a great start, jumped on the Snakes early and often. The Smokies with a ton of pressure-chances on an early powerplay, couldn't solve Ty Taylor who was large for Vernon on the penalty kill. The Smoke Eaters took it too Vernon for most of the first half, but couldn't capitalize on their chances. The Vipers needed almost ten minutes to get their first shot of the frame, made it count, scoring on their first shot of the 2nd giving them a 3-1 lead. Vernon seemed to build off this goal and play much better into the second half. I thought Trail was by far the better team in the first ten minutes, while Vernon was the better team in the second half. Trail outshot Vernon 15-6.

3rd Period: The Smokies started the final frame with the powerplay that was carried over from the 2nd period. The Vipers able to kill off the remaining seconds. Four minutes into the 3rd Josh Laframboise beat Ty Taylor with a blast from the circle ringing his shot off the far post as Trail come within inches of getting to within two goals. Just over five minutes into the 3rd Jesse Lansdell dropped the mits with Kyle Chernenkoff as the two were tossed for fighting. About a minute and a half later Brett Stapley setup Steven Jandric after some nice three way passing, giving Vernon a 5-1 lead at 6:46 Stapley and Jimmy Lambert picked up the helpers. This goal really looked to take the life out of the Trail Smoke Eaters. On the following play Trail would jump on the powerplay but shorthanded Riley Brandt and Austin Adamson in on the two on one rush, Brandt was stopped by Zach Dyment. The Smokies would get some good looks but couldn't find the back of the net as the Snakes killed off the minor. Just over two minutes later Connor Clouston sprung Jagger Williamson for the breakaway, beat Zach Dyment fivehole giving Vernon a 6-1 lead at 11:45 Clouston drew the lone assist. On the following play, Steven Jandric was stopped in close as the Vipers had a few good chances in close. About a minute and a half later Sol Seibel spotted Brett Stapley who ripped a lazer that beat Zach Dyment far side giving Vernon a commanding 7-1 lead at 13:14 Seibel with the lone assist. This was the end of the night for Dyment who gave up seven goals on thirty four Vernon shots, was replaced by Linden Marshall. On the following play the Smokies with a goal mouth scramble, tried jamming home the loose puck before Ty Taylor looked to knock the net off, giving him a penalty, sending Trail to another powerplay. The Smoke Eaters with some good looks-chances couldn't solve Ty Taylor who was on his game this evening. The Snakes would kill off the minor. Trail still pushing had some good pressure late, were unable to find the back of the net. In the dying seconds Luke Santerno couldn't beat Ty Taylor on the wrap around just before the buzzer. Vernon would finish the regular season with the 7-1 victory. The Snakes put this game away with three 3rd period goals, chased Zach Dyment from the nets. The Smoke Eaters even down and out, didn't quit, kept battling, had some good pressure at times, had several good looks-opportunities just couldn't catch a break-or capitalize on their chances. Vernon outshot Trail 16-9.

Following the game the Vipers held their annual year end awards banquet on the ice.

Michael Ufberg (1 assist) I thought had a real strong game on the blueline. Really saw-read the ice well, moved the puck well, made some heads up plays through out the win.

The line of Brett Stapley (3 goals & 1 assist), Jimmy Lambert (3 assists) & Steven Jandric (2 goals & 1 assist) combined for ten points tonight between the three. This line was deadly tonight and very dangerous through out the night. It seemed like everytime any of these three touched or were near the puck, it went in. Brett Stapley with a huge game, collected the hat trick, looked very strong.

Austin Adamson (1 assist) I thought played very well. Made some nice plays, was skating hard, moving the puck well.

Riley Brandt Played with a lot of jump-energy, played physical at times, was very good.

Connor Clouston (1 assist) Played with an edge, had a strong game on the backend. Was mixing it up through out the night, was good in his own end.

Chris Jandric I thought also was very good on the point, played well at both ends of the rink.

Ty Taylor (33 saves) Was very good between the pipes, stopping thirty three of thirty four Trail shots. Didn't see much rubber-action in the 1st but was the difference to start the 2nd period. Taylor was forced into several big stops on the penalty kill and five on five with the Smokies pressing. Again in the 3rd even with the game out of reach, come up with several key stops. Looked-played very well in the victory.

Game Thought's: (Vernon)

Other then the first half-ten minutes or so of the 2nd period I thought the Vipers come to play and played very well in a statement game. After a tough-disappointing 3-1 loss in Trail last night, the Snakes rebounded with a big 7-1 victory this evening. These two teams could meet in the second round of the playoffs, so the Vipers wanted to send a message, saying it wont be easy and especially in our rink. I thought all four lines played hard-well, contributed through out the night. I thought Vernon showed a lot of hustle-energy, played with some emotion and didn't back down from the after the whistle activities. The Vipers offence-skill was just too much for Trail to handle-defend against. Vernon was really firing on all cylinders tonight, the forwards were really clicking. The Snakes played a much more consistent game tonight over the past few games. Tonight's turning point come after the Smokies had all kinds of pressure-opportunities, couldn't capitalize on their chances, carried the better of the play for the first half of the 2nd period before Ryan Brushett's goal gave Vernon a 3-1 lead just before the midway mark. Trail had a ton of pressure-quality chances early to start that middle frame couldn't solve Ty Taylor. The Snakes win the season series 5-2 finish the 2016-17 regular season 2nd in the Interior Division with a record of 30-19-5-4 will get the first round bye in the playoffs. This is the thirty sixth time a Vernon junior hockey team has recorded atleast thirty wins or more in a regular season. The Snakes will now be off for three weeks, wont play until the second round March 17th & 18th in Vernon. This is a terrible playoff format-schedule. The entire Vipers regular season schedule was brutal through out the season.

Top Player's: (Trail)

Ryan Warner I thought played well on the Smokies blueline.

Luke Santerno (1 goal) Had a few looks-opportunities, was buzzing in and around the net on several occasions. Good skater, always going to the net.

Connor Brown-Maloski (1 assist) Played hard, battled-competed.

Andre Ghantous Played with an edge, was getting under the skin of several Vipers through out the night. Really mixing it up in the 3rd, was a pest all game.

Kale Howarth (1 assist) I thought was one of if not Trails best forward-player in the loss. A very good skater-puck handler, moves the puck well, creates-generates chances, dangerous with and without the puck.

Zach Dyment (27 saves) Was replaced by Linden Marshall in the 3rd after giving up seven goals on thrity four Vernon shots. I don't think you can blame the Smoke Eaters goaltender tonight, saw a lot of rubber, kept his team in the game in that opening frame, making some huge saves, giving his team a chance to win early. Without Dyment this game could have been well out of hand after the 1st period.

Game Thought's: (Trail)

After a very hard fought emotional win last night over the Snakes, the Smoke Eaters couldn't keep Vernon off the score sheet tonight. You have to wonder if the Smoke Eaters didn't use up all their energy-emotion in last night's 3-1 victory, simply emptying the tanks Friday. Trail had some quality chances, couldn't capitalize on their opportunities-also couldn't solve Ty Taylor who was big between the pipes for the Vipers. The Smoke Eaters couldn't seem to catch a break-or a bounce all night. Giving up the second goal with just four seconds remaining in the 1st was a big blow and then giving up the third goal just before the halfway mark of the 2nd period was another killer, especially after Trail was the better of the two teams in the first half, looked to have the Vipers on the ropes. The Smokies missed some opportunities with the powerplay, battled-competed, couldn't keep the puck out of their own net. Other then the first half of the 2nd and different shifts in the 3rd Vernon was the better of the two teams and it showed on the scoreboard. Give the Smoke Eaters credit, they didn't fold the tents, kept battling-playing hard till the final buzzer, just didn't seem to have that extra step in their game come the 3rd period. With the loss Trail will finish 3rd in the Division with a record of 26-26-5-1 two points up on West Kelowna. With the Warriors loss in Salmon Arm tonight, the Smokies will clinch 3rd and host the Silverbacks next weekend in round one of the BCHL playoffs. Penticton Vees assistant coach Jason Becker was in attendance.

The 27-19-5-4 Vernon Vipers are coming off a 3-1 loss in Trail last night. Tonight is the seventh and final regular season meeting vs Trail with the Vipers leading the season series 4-2. Tonight is the Vipers final regular season game have earned a first round bye in the playoffs, will start round 2 March 17th at home. The Vipers have played nine of their last eleven games at home come into tonight having won three of their last five home games. The Vipers have lost three of their last five and have five wins in their last ten games. Vernon will finish 2nd in the Division are nine points up on Trail but nineteen points back of Division leading Penticton.

Vernon Vipers Roster:

http://bchl.ca/roster?team=21Steven Jandric (25-23-48) leads the team in goals with twenty five & in points with fourty eight.
Riley Brandt played in 36 games in parts of two seasons with the Smoke Eaters (2012-2014)

The 26-25-5-1 Trail Smoke Eaters make their fourth and final regular season visit to Kal Tire Place. The Smoke Eaters are coming off a 3-1 victory over the visiting Vernon Vipers Friday. Tonight is the second game of a home & home series to end the regular season vs the Vipers. Tonight's the Smoke Eaters final regular season game. Trail comes into tonight having lost back to back road games have lost three of their last four games away from home. The Smoke Eaters have lost three of their last five games and lost six of their last ten games. Trail sits 3rd in the Interior Division two points up on West Kelowna & Merritt and six points up on last place Salmon Arm.

Trail Smoke Eaters Roster:

http://bchl.ca/roster?team=22

Luke Santerno (32-31-63) leads the team in goals with thirty two and in points with sixty three.

Blaine Caton played 52 games for his hometown Vipers (2013-2015) before being released.

Zach Dyment was an affiliated player "AP" with the 2013-14 Vernon Vipers.Trail Smoke Eaters 2016-17 regular season stats:

The 27-18-5-4 Vernon Vipers make their third and final regular season visit to the Cominco Arena. The Vipers are coming off a 4-1 victory Saturday over the visiting Alberni Valley Bulldogs. This is the sixth meeting of the season vs Trail where the Vipers have won four of the five games. The last time these two teams met, the Snakes defeated Trail 5-1 February 4th in Vernon. Tonight is the Vipers final road game of the regular season, are playing just their second road game for the month of February. Vernon is winless in their last two road games, have won three of their last five games away from home. The Vipers come into tonight having lost three of their last five and won six of their last ten games. Vernon will finish 2nd in the Division are eleven points up on Trail & West Kelowna but seventeen points back of Division leading Penticton.

Vernon Vipers Roster:

http://bchl.ca/roster?team=21Steven Jandric (25-23-48) leads the team in goals with twenty five & in points with fourty eight.
Riley Brandt played in 36 games in parts of two seasons with the Smoke Eaters (2012-2014)

The 25-25-5-1 Trail Smoke Eaters are coming off a 4-2 loss in Merritt Saturday split the home & home series with the Centennials last weekend. Tonight is the first of a home & home series to end the regular season vs Vernon. Tonight's the Smoke Eaters final regular season home game, where the Smokies have lost two of their last three home games, have won four of their last six games at the Cominco Arena. The Smoke Eaters have yet to beat Vernon at home this season, have lost four straight against the Vipers. Trail comes into tonight having lost four of their last five, have won just four of their last ten games. Trail sits 3rd in the Interior Division tied in points with West Kelowna. The Smokies are four points up on last place Salmon Arm & two points up on Merritt.

Trail Smoke Eaters Roster:

http://bchl.ca/roster?team=22

Luke Santerno (32-30-62) leads the team in goals with thirty two and in points with sixty two.

Blaine Caton played 52 games for his hometown Vipers (2013-2015) before being released.

Zach Dyment was an affiliated player "AP" with the 2013-14 Vernon Vipers.Trail Smoke Eaters 2016-17 regular season stats:

After the first round of voting by coaches, the finalists from each of the BCHL’s three divisions have been determined for the annual league awards.

Another round of coaches voting will decide the winner for each trophy and the results will be announced next week before the playoffs begin.

Here are the finalists for the 2016-17 BCHL awards:

MVP (Vern Dye Memorial Trophy)

Island: Matthew Galajda, goaltender, Victoria Grizzlies

Mainland: Brendan Harris, forward, Wenatchee Wild

Interior: Mat Robson, goaltender, Penticton Vees

Rookie of the Year (Bruce Allison Memorial Trophy)

Island: Cam Donaldson, forward, Powell River Kings

Mainland: Brendan Budy, forward, Langley Rivermen

Interior: Zach Risteau, forward, Merritt Centennials

Top Defenceman Trophy

Island: Jake Stevens, Victoria Grizzies

Mainland: Tyler Anderson, Prince George Spruce Kings

Interior: Michael Ufberg, Vernon Vipers

Most Sportsmanlike Player (Bob Fenton Trophy)

Island: Cam Donaldson, forward, Powell River Kings

Mainland: Brendan Harris, forward, Wenatchee Wild

Interior: Grant Cruikshank, forward, Penticton Vees

Coach of the Year (Joe Tennant Memorial Trophy)

Island: Craig Didmon, Victoria Grizzlies

Mainland: Bliss Littler, Wenatchee Wild

Interior: Fred Harbinson, Penticton Vees

The BCHL’s goaltender awards are not voted on. The Goaltending Award will go to the goalie with lowest goals-against average and at least 1,000 minutes played. The Wally Forslund Award for best goalie tandem goes to the goalie teammates with the lowest combined goals-against average.

Other league awards that are not voted on are the Brett Hull Award for top scorer and the Ron Boileau Memorial Trophy for the team with the best regular-season record.

Thursday, February 23, 2017

Former Vernon Vipers forward Chase Stevenson receives honourable mention for Player of the Week.

Stevenson is in his first season with the West Kelowna Warriors, attended the Vipers training camp in August. Stevenson never played any exhibition games was injured during camp, before being placed on the injured reserve to start the regular season. Stevenson was released early into the regular season. The Warriors signed Stevenson November 9th 2016. In 31 games this season, Stevenson has (10-goals-10-assists-20-points).

Salmon Arm Silverbacks goaltender Trevin Kozlowski has been named the BCHL Player of the Week for the week ending February 19, the league announced Monday.

Kozlowski was in net for two of the team’s three wins for the week and he was named 1st Star both games. His first outing was a 5-1 win over Interior-leading Penticton where he made 35 saves and he topped that with a shutout including 29 saves in a 1-0 home win over Merritt. Committed to Army West Point for next season, Kozlowski wound up making 64 saves on 65 shots for a .985 save percentage and 0.50 goals-against average.

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Vernon Viper second year forward Brett Stapley has committed to the University of Denver for the 2018-19 season. The talented forward made the decision earlier this week to join the NCAA school after what will be his 3rd year playing Junior A hockey with the BCHL Vipers. Stapley talks about what weighed in his decision to join the Denver University Pioneers in the future.

Brandt, named first star, converted powerplay tallies two minutes apart late in the first period. The Trail product has nine snipes on the season. Jagger Williamson and d-man Chris Jandric drew helpers on both goals.

Luke Gingras registered his fourth of the year with one second left in the opening 20, while D Connor Clouston netted his second early in the third. Alex Macdonald replied for the Dawgs 4:09 into the second stanza.

“We were fortunate to have the lead, but I didn’t think we played that well,”said Ferner. “I thought our effort was much better the night before and we lost (4-2 to Victoria Grizzlies).”

Ex-Viper F Keith Anderson took on D Shane Kelly in a non-eventful scrap with 2:24 left in the game.

The Wenatchee Wild ran over the Langley Rivermen 6-1 Saturday and took the BCHL title, becoming the first American team to do so since the Bellingham Blazers (1975 and ‘79). Wenatchee is 43-9-4-0.

The Interior Division final four spots won’t be decided until this weekend with the Smokies and West Kelowna Warriors tied for third with 56 points, four ahead of the Merritt Centennials, who are a deuce in front of the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.

Salmon Arm surprised the first-place Vees 5-1 Saturday before 4,225 fans at the South Okanagan Events Centre and iced Merritt 1-0 Sunday. Californian Trevin Kozlowski was in net for both wins.

Viper grads Kellen and Connor Jones assisted on former Smoke Eater/Vee Travis St. Denis’ ninth of the year as the Bridgeport Sound Tigers toppled the visiting Hershey Bears 5-1 in American League play Sunday afternoon before 3,456 fans at the Webster Bank Arena.

Connor has five goals and 17 points, while Kellen has 3-8-11. The twins are 26 and in their first year with Bridgeport, the top affiliate of the New York Islasnders. Jaroslav Halak made 24 saves for the Sound Tigers, third in the Atlantic Division at 33-16-1.

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

The final weekend of the BCHL regular season is upon us and the Vernon Vipers have some exciting news regarding the playoffs.

Vernon is scheduled to begin playoff action on Friday March 17 and Saturday March 18 at Kal Tire Place. The Vipers will have to wait until the conclusion of round one to find out who their opponent will be as the Snakes have secured a first round playoff bye. Due to a scheduling conflict at Kal Tire Place both the Friday and Saturday games will be 7pm starts.

Tickets for the playoffs will go on sale at the Viper Office beginning on Monday February 27th at 10am. Season ticket holders will have until 12 noon on game day to pick up their seats or they will be released for general sale. Adult tickets for round two will be $16.00 while seniors will be $14.00.

The Vernon Vipers are very pleased to announce that all Children and Students tickets in Round two will be FREE. Hytec, 1075 Kiss FM and The Vernon Morning Star are pleased to make this possible. There is no purchase necessary however each child or student will require a game ticket to be admitted.

Hytec a Kohler Company is very pleased to offer this opportunity to local youth and families in the North Okanagan, Michael Sanfilippo is the Business Manager for Hytec, “Hytec and Kohler are thrilled to continue on with our partnership with the Vernon Vipers in finding ways to give back to the community. We saw this as an excellent opportunity to partner with Kiss FM and the Vernon Morning Star to continue to make an impact and get the kids out to see some great playoff hockey. Go Vipers”.

Hytec is a full line manufacturer of gelcoat and acrylic bathtubs and showers as well as many other items with their head office being located in Armstrong.

The Vipers would like to thank Hytec, The Vernon Morning Star and 1075 Kiss FM for this great initiative to open the playoffs for the Snakes. Now let’s fill the building!!

1990 & 1991 Vernon Lakers Inducted Into Okanagan Sports Hall Of Fame

The 1969-70 & 1971-72 Vernon Essos were inducted into the Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame in November 2014

1999 Vernon Vipers Inducted Into BC Hockey Hall Of Fame

The 1999 Vernon Vipers were inducted into the BC Hockey Hall of Fame In July 2016

On December 2nd 2017 the Vernon Vipers honoured the 1956 Vernon Canadians and former Vernon Esso's legend Wayne Dye. The 1956 Vernon Canadians Allen Cup banner along side Wayne Dye's #8 Legends banner were raised to the rafters at Kal Tire Place

Kal Tire Place-Home to the Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame

The Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame was established in 1982 through the vision of Vernon resident and sports enthusiast, Nick Alexis. With the support of Vernon City Council, Alexis and a dedicated group of volunteers created a series of outdoor exhibits celebrating the region’s dynamic sporting history in Vernon’s Cenotaph Park. That same year, the new organization unveiled its first round of inductees to the Hall of Fame. Several years later, in 2001, the Hall of Fame moved its exhibits into the newly constructed Vernon Multiplex now known as Kal Tire Place.

About Me

I first created this blog in November of 2008. This coming season will be my ninth season doing this blog. I was born and raised in Vernon, BC and have been going to Junior Hockey games in Vernon since I was a young child. I purchased my first set of season tickets in 1990
I have had season tickets for the last 26 years, Since 1990 I have missed 42 home games.
In September of 2009 I missed my first home game since 2002-03 wich my streak of 236 straight Vipers home games came to an end. Ive missed just three Vipers home games since the 1998-1999 season.
I worked with the Vipers back in 2003-04 as colour comentator helping out with a few games over the internet. In 2011 I helped deisgn, create and put together the Vipers new website for the 2011-12 season. I ran and updated the Vipers website for five seasons, keeping all staff bios and pictures updated, adding new game photos, doing a game preview on game days, as well as adding any Vipers news, scores or BCHL news through out the season.
Over the years I have travelled to Victoria, Dauphin & Camrose to watch the Vipers in the RBC Cup. I was also at the 1990 Centennial Cup & 2014 RBC Cup in Vernon.